I'm known for my strong views on mobile technology, online media, and the effect this has on and communication will have on the public conscious and existing businesses.
I've been following this space for over ten years, working with a number of publishers, publications and media companies, some for long periods of time, others for commissions, one-off pieces or a series of articles or shows.
As Scotland’s first podcaster, I continue to be a prominent voice in the rise of podcasting and new media online, and picked up a British Academy (BAFTA) nomination for my annual coverage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, alongside contributions to Radio 5 Live, the BBC World Service, presenting Edinburgh local radio's coverage of the General Election.
You'll find me on Twitter (@Ewan), Facebook, and Google Plus.

Android Circuit: Is Amazon's Fire Phone A Lemon? Does Xiaomi's Mi 4 Look Like An Apple? Is Samsung's Tab S 8.4 A Winner?

Taking a look back at the week in news across the Android world, this week’s Android Circuit highlights a number of stories, including the first reviews of Amazon’s Fire phone, the launch of the Xiaomi Mi 4, the UK release of the Samsung Tab S, Sony’s camera component investment, the best camera apps for your Android handset, Samsung’s US developer conference in November, and the latest betas of the popular Android web browsers.

Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the very many things that have happened around Android over the last seven days.

Amazon’s Fire Phone Now On Sale

Amazon’s first smartphone, the Fire Phone, is now on sale in the US. Available on a twenty-four month contract with AT&T, or as a SIM free handset direct from Amazon, the initial reviews of the handset are now online, and they don’t make great reading. The user interface is more of a hindrance than a selling point, the much vaunted tilting input is far too sensitive and unforgiving, and of course this is not a ‘do everything’ smartphone, it’s a ‘buy anything’ phone. Head over to The Verge, Engadget, Cnet, and Ars Technica, for some opinions.

Xiaomi Debuts A Familiar Looking Android Handset In The Mi 4

Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi put everyone on notice this week – if they weren’t already watching the company – with the announcement of the Mi 4 (reports the BBC and others). It’s at the very top end of current Android specifications (a quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor running at 2.5 GHz, 3 GB of RAM, and available with 16 GB or 64 GB of internal storage). The hardware and the pricing echo that of the OnePlus One, but the Mi 4 adds in a metal frame, a first for the company, and a wearable smartband.

Specs and price aside, the big talking points are the similarity in approach from Xiaomi when compared to Apple. Cult of Android picks out some highlights, including the use of a PowerPoint slide saying “One More Thing…”

The device I’ve been lent is gold trimmed, and while I would have assumed that would look cheap and nasty, the reality is that it actually looks great. The gold accents compliment the more muted colour of the back case perfectly, and it differentiates itself from the other devices on the market with its style too. Some won’t think it’s as classy as the iPad, but I doubt anyone could call it ugly.

You can read his full review of the tablet here on Forbes. While the ultimate choice comes down to iOS or Android, Morris feels the Tab S 8.4 is more than a match for Cupertino’s mini.

The Samsung Tab S 8.4 (picture: Ian Morris)

Sony Shoots For Selfie Explosion With Imaging Investment

Building on the imaging prowess on the Xperia handsets, as well as a strong presence as a camera components supplier, Sony is investing $345 million to increase production on image sensors for the Japanese company’s Android hardware and other manufacturers who use their parts, including Apple (reports Reuters). Much of this investment will be geared towards ‘forward facing’ cameras as the ‘selfie’ technique gains traction by individuals and in popular culture.

Speaking Of The Smartphone Camera…

Forbes resident mobile imaging expert, Amadou Diallo has taken a look at three of the best imaging apps for Android smartphones; Camera Awesome, Google Camera, and Camera FV-5:

Of the dozens available on Google’s Play Store, these apps stand out by offering very useful features, great performance and a well-organized interface. In daily use I’ve found they can each help you take better pictures, without a lot of fuss. While many camera apps include built-in photo editing tools, here I’m concentrating solely on picture-taking capabilities. You can read this photo editing app roundup for my top post-processing apps.

Post Your Comment

Post Your Reply

Forbes writers have the ability to call out member comments they find particularly interesting. Called-out comments are highlighted across the Forbes network. You'll be notified if your comment is called out.